THE CHALLENGE
The creative industry has plenty of talent, but most independent designers and artists don’t get featured in mainstream publications. There was no platform showcasing cutting-edge work while letting artists speak honestly about their process. The goal: create a magazine that felt like an insider’s look into how creatives actually work. Authentic, rebellious, visually striking. A publication built for the 3AM designers who stay up long after deadlines, creating in the quiet hours when inspiration hits hardest.
THE SOLUTION
Co-founded Afterdark Magazine, a publication for independent designers, artists, and creatives who push boundaries. Built complete brand identity embracing bold, high-contrast layouts, unconventional typography, and raw editorial feel matching the underground, avant-garde work featured. Content went deeper than surface aesthetics with in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and portfolio spotlights showing real creative process. Each issue curated as immersive experience connecting creative professionals with community valuing originality and risk-taking.
MY ROLE
Co-founded and led creative direction for magazine positioning independent creatives as leaders, not outsiders.
✔ Named magazine based on late-night creative grind, establishing brand identity rooted in authentic experience of independent creators
✔ Developed complete visual identity system: logo, typography hierarchy, color palette, 3D illustration style, and editorial design templates
✔ Designed magazine layouts reflecting dynamic, high-energy work showcased across editorial spreads and feature stories
✔ Built content curation framework selecting featured artists and working with contributors to maintain cohesive narrative voice
✔ Created promotional assets and social content ensuring marketing felt like the magazine, not like advertisement
THE IMPACT
What Was Delivered: Complete magazine foundation including brand identity, editorial design system, issue 01 layout templates, content strategy framework, promotional asset library, and contributor network. Delivered 52-page publication design with 6 feature stories, 12 portfolio spotlights, and 4 in-depth interviews.
Strategic Positioning: Positioned Afterdark as platform for independent creatives who refuse to play by rules. Established editorial voice celebrating originality and risk-taking over commercial appeal. Built framework enabling featured artists to gain visibility and opportunities traditionally inaccessible through mainstream channels.
Community Foundation: Connected network of designers, illustrators, and artists creating shared space for work that doesn’t follow conventional creative industry standards. Set foundation for ongoing publication providing consistent platform for underrepresented creative voices.
